Police, council officials draft in Moroccan consul over Ede riots

The Moroccan consul to the Netherlands has been drafted in to speak to a group of youngsters in Ede who have been responsible for a string of car fires and riots, the NRC said on Friday.

Following talks with council officials and the police, Khalid Guelzim has agreed to speak directly to the community, the paper quoted news agency ANP as saying.

Ede, a small town between Arnhem and Utrecht, has been the scene of rioting since last weekend when a group of around 50 youngsters went on the rampage following the closure of a community cafe.

The shopping centre where the café is located is being demolished. It was a popular hangout for local Dutch Morocan youngsters.

Council officials, police and the consul met on Friday afternoon to discuss the riots, the work of a group of several dozen youngsters aged 12 to 20, ANP said.

On Wednesday the mayor introduced a six month ban on public gatherings in an effort to restore order to the area.

The local mosque and community groups have also condemned the rioting and called for dialogue.

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